Broadway and TV Producer Craig Zadan Dies at 69

R.I.P.

Updated Aug. 21, 2018 9:29PM ET / Published Aug. 21, 2018 9:27PM ET

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Movie, TV, and musical theatre producer Craig Zadan has died at 69, Deadline reported Tuesday night. “It is with profound sadness that I am announcing the passing of my dear friend and colleague Craig Zadan, who died of complications following shoulder replacement surgery, said Robert Greenblatt, NBC Entertainment Chairman. “His absence will be felt in our hearts and throughout our business.” Zadan produced musical-turned-feature-films Chicago and Hairspray, along with a number of NBC live TV musicals including The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, and The Wiz. He also produced three Oscars telecasts. Zadan, along with this producing partner Neil Meron, also produced the on-broadway productions How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises. Zadan’s most recent work, last year’s Jesus Christ Superstar live musical, was nominated for an Emmy. He was reportedly working on a rendition of Hair for broadcast with Meron at the time of his death.